Aircraft carrier Bush to begin heading home to Norfolk

By Lauren King

The Norfolk-based aircraft carrier George H.W. Bush has been relieved in the Arabian Gulf by the carrier Carl Vinson and should soon depart for home.

According to the Navy, the Carl Vinson relieved the Bush on Saturday.

The Carl Vinson will take over support of maritime security operations, strike operations in Iraq and Syria and theater security cooperation efforts in the area of responsibility.

Beginning in September, Hampton Roads ships and aircraft played a critical role in U.S. airstrikes against Islamic State group targets in Syria, including F-22 Raptors from Langley Air Force Base, marking the first time the stealth jet has ever flown in combat.

At least two Norfolk-based Navy ships took part in the joint U.S.-Arab strikes Monday night – the carrier Bush and the guided missile destroyer Arleigh Burke.

The Pentagon named its fight against Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria, “Operation Inherent Resolve.”